day date

Time like money doesn’t grow on trees. Finding time to date can be challenging as parents, however creating “couple” time is something I have become good at. While having a date night out can be rare for us, going on day dates have become something we enjoy. Just in time for Valentine’s Day, I wanted to share My Top 8 Day Date Ideas in Raleigh,NC :

Admire Art while on a Museum Date at NCMA

Art and nature are two things I love and NCMA has a wonderful way of celebrating the beauty of both. We have not only enjoyed the exhibits inside but have spent time walking along their grassy pathways adorned with public sculptures. A memorable day date for me was during Art in Bloom, which pairs works of art with floral bouquets. This 4 day fundraiser returns March 21–24. Tickets available atncartmuseum.org/bloomor (919) 715-5923

Relax with a Couples Mani/Pedi Spa Date at POLISHED NAIL BAR

If you read my previous post about treating your Valentine to some pampering time, then you know why I love treating myself and my loved ones to a mani/pedi at Polished Nail Bar. It’s a great place to meet your girls, take your man, treat your Mom or even have some alone time. The mimosas along with their great service and comfy throne chairs will leave you and your date relaxed!

Treat yourselves to something sweet and go on an Ice Cream Date at RALEIGH ROLLS

We scream for ice cream and now have a special place that makes me wanna shout! That place would be Raleigh Rolls, located at the new Morgan Street Food Hall. This is more than a mere ice cream place. It is a unique way to enjoy an age old favorite. Instead of “scooping” they “roll” up ice cream into your own customized concoction. They start with a base and you build on from there with your choice of toppings. This Valentine’s Day ❤ they are offering a special Red Velvet ice cream & a bottle of champagne for $15! Share with your date and let the good times “roll”!

Go on a Movie Date and get a drink/bite to eat right at your seat at ALAMO DRAFTHOUSE

Anytime we want to catch a movie in a special setting we head down to Alamo Drafthouse. This is a retro moviehouse experience. Full bar and delicious menu items are at your disposal. You can even eat at your seat. Alamo has it all. They have a real movie rental store in the lobby. How retro and fun is that !? Did I also mention they have “bottomless” popcorn? Read more about my Alamo experience >>>here.

Have a Breakfast with Bae Coffee Date at MORNING TIMES

Every city needs that classic coffee shop where you can have a great breakfast in a nice atmosphere with amazing coffee. Morning Times would be THAT spot in downtown Raleigh. Read my post to see why locals love their vibe. Look carefully at that latte, it just may have a foam heart in it .

Spice up your life and have a Lunch Date at CURRY IN A HURRY

Spicy and mild is how some folks describe my husband and myself! The perfect lunch for us is Curry In A Hurry. Most people know them from their amazing food truck here. Last year, they decided to open their first brick and mortar store at the Morgan Street Food Hall. Indian/Asian curries are their specialties. Their most popular dish is their butter chicken. If that is too mild, go for something like their Green Chicken Curry which definitely has more of a kick. Read my full review>>here and make plans to spend your lunch hour at Curry In A Hurry.

Grab a cocktail or two from the NEW Social Hour menu at ORO

Do you enjoy good conversation and cocktails? Head to the bar at ORO Restaurant & Lounge in Downtown Raleigh for their new Social Hour. On Mon -Thurs, 5pm-7pm items like Truffle fries, lobster crab bites and sliders along with wine and ” The Social Butterfly” cocktail are just $5 on their bar menu. The amazing flavors in such a gorgeous space will leave you and your date impressed!

Enjoy an early Dinner Date for 2 at DRIFTWOOD

Whenever hubby and I want a taste of southern hospitality, we make our way to Driftwood Southern Kitchen in Lafayette Village in North Raleigh. Pork Rinds awaits at the table for you and your date to enjoy! They have daily drink specials and delicious food that is locally sourced when possible. My suggestions would be to start with the Brussels Sprouts and end with the Vanilla Cheesecake. Their brisket is some of the best and the Blackened NC Catfish is fantastic! You and your date will no longer be hungry but happy after dining at Driftwood.

SobeSavvy Tip: Just a few steps away from Driftwood in Lafayette Village is Watkins Flowers of Distinction. Why not surprise your date with flowers or a beautiful candle. They have so many unique gifts that would add a bit of wow to any date!

There are so many more places to explore in Raleigh. No matter what you or your date like to do, I hope this post can be a resource for you. I plan to update it as I discover other faves but these are just 8 that we feel are great!

Where is your favorite place to go on a Day Date in Raleigh, or your city? Let me know in the comments below and thanks for reading! ❤

Hello February! Did you know it was Creative Romance Month? That’s right, you don’t have to wait until Valentine’s Day to celebrate your love or show off your romance skills, you can start now! If you are in NC, I have just the place you should go: Polished Nail Bar! In a previous post, I shared highlights of the Grand Opening event of Raleigh’s newest premier nail and waxing salon located in downtown’s hip Glenwood South District. I have been back on my own and with a good friend but today I surprised my best friend/husband with a visit to Polished Nail Bar for a pampering day date. While there are so many reasons to come here for a date, take a look at my Top Four:

1. LUXURY PEDICURE THRONES

Sit back, relax and enjoy your luxury pedicure on a throne fit for a King and Queen! Those chairs, along with the decor, are not only appealing to the eye but you can set it to massage your back while you receive your services.

2. COMPLIMENTARY MIMOSAS

Wine, Beer, Soft Drinks..and Mimosas are available for free with your services. While relaxing on your pedicure throne, imagine sipping on mimosas and then a hand appears to refill your glass! Refills are complimentary too…just remember to drink responsibly.

3. GREAT VARIETY OF OPI COLORS

As soon as you walk in take notice of the variety of colors from nail polish brands such as OPI and Essie. You can find the latest in OPI nail polish colors, like the new Lisbon Collection. I can definitely see me selecting any of those in the Spring but today I chose a purple color for #MyVioletValentine series (that I’ll be sharing more about soon..so stay tuned!)

4. COUPLE-FRIENDLY

Just like us, this lovely pair was there enjoying a pampering moment. Women, as well as Men (and little divas too) are welcomed. My husband commented on how comfortable he was and appreciated the cleanliness. We definitely will be coming back to Polished Nail Bar!